Champions ODI Cup 2025

Match 12: NZ vs IND

Preview 

The Champions Cup big stage awaits a thrilling game of cricket when India is scheduled to face off against New Zealand in the 12th fixture of the event on March 2. This much-awaited encounter is the second last group stage match for the two teams and promises fans a thrilling afternoon of cricket action streaming live from 2:30 PM (IST).

India has commenced their Champions Cup with a superlative start, beating Bangladesh in their inaugural game. This was followed by an electrifying win over old adversaries Pakistan, winning for the second consecutive time and cementing themselves a spot in the semifinals. India tops the table on 4 points, testifying to their forceful display.

Similarly, New Zealand has also proven to be a force to reckon with in the tournament. After winning their inaugural match over Pakistan, they vanquished Bangladesh in their next encounter. Having already secured a semifinal spot, they are keen to take on India in this pivotal group stage decider.

While both sides prepare for this thrilling showdown, supporters should anticipate a no-holds-barred fight for dominance in the Champions Cup.

Match Details

Match: NZ vs IND, 12th Match, Group A, Champions Cup, 2025

Date: Sunday, March 02, 2025

Time: 2:30 PM

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Squad News

NZ: The Black Caps who have already qualified can look to resting players with nicks and cuts ahead of the knockouts. On a bright note, Daryl Mitchell is fit after missing the Bangladesh game through illness. It will be a problem for Santner and Stead to decide whom to drop in the XI, particularly as Rachin Ravindra, who replaced Mitchell, made a century. Not surprisingly, Ravindra, who had been nursing an injury before the Bangladesh match, was replaced by Will Young, who has also made a century in this tournament.

IND: India could make a couple of adjustments to their side, though it's not clear if they will give captain Rohit Sharma a rest. He has a hamstring issue, but he appeared to be fine on Friday evening after being at the crease for quite a while. Mohammed Shami may be replaced by Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy can replace Kuldeep Yadav.

Pitch and Weather Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium's pitch provides early support to pace bowlers, allowing some movement of the ball with the new ball. The pitch is fairly balanced, rewarding pacers at the start while spinners later gain effectiveness once the surface breaks down in the middle overs. Batting, in general, tends to improve as the day goes on. During night games, dew proves to be an important factor in the conditions and affects bowlers, determining strategies for teams. 

The weather conditions at the Dubai International Stadium are likely to be sunny with haze, forming a thin veil of dust or mist in the atmosphere that will not block sunlight. The temperature will be around 25°C. Wind conditions can also be significant, with a west wind at 20 km/h and gusts up to 44 km/h in the afternoon.

On the bright side, there is a mere 1% chance of rain and zero chance of thunderstorms, guaranteeing an uninterrupted game. Generally, the weather seems perfect for a complete game of cricket.

NZ vs IND Squads

NZ: Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy

IND: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (wk), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

NZ vs IND Probable Playing XI

NZ: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O'Rourke.

IND: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy

Match Prediction

The upcoming match between India and New Zealand promises to be electrifying. With the game taking place in Dubai, the team batting second is likely to have an advantage. Both teams are in excellent form, but on paper, India appears well-positioned to maintain their dominance over the Kiwis and continue their winning streak.

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